Page 180 of Beast and Remedy
I canfeelit.
Everyone, including Beau’s advisors, helps mix ingredients, pour vials, and formulate the different ratios for a possible cure.
It’s been a tedious process.
Our breakthrough came when we administered a second, more potent dose to a few foxes and lynxes Beau’s men had successfully trapped and brought back to the keep for us to monitor.
With the help of Beau using his powers to scan the animals, he was able to see the remedy at work. It cleared all symptoms within moments of ingestion, leaving us comfortable enough to release the animals back into the wild.
But there was still the mutation to consider, and we weren’t sure if humans or larger mammals needed a different formula.
We had Veryon, Marcel, and a few guards try to capture other animals yesterday to offer the tonic to, but the group returned today unsuccessful.
Beau and I discussed after my shift tomorrow we could see if we could find any creatures, and we planned to iron out the specifics after visiting Marian.
“I don’t see why you can’t let me help while I’m locked away in this room,” my twin grumbles in her guest bedchamber, surrounded by a heaping stack of pillows and blankets.
While I want to tell my sister the good news, I want to ensure everything is right and not watch her resentment grow and hear her repeat spiteful words that already echo in my mind.
Another potential cure? Sure, I bet it won’t work... Come and find me when you’ve actually used that head of yours… You probably want me to die. Don’t you?
Deflecting from my thoughts, I sigh. “We’ve told you before we don’t want to overwhelm you while you’re—”
“Sick. Yes, yes.” She flicks a wave.
The queasiness in my stomach builds with her persistent anger despite Beau using his gifts this evening. Each time we check on her, she has lost her true self and is replaced by someone I don’t recognize.
Her fever returns, her moods always shift, and her hallucinations are happening more frequently.
And I am terrified the news I am withholding will not fix her.
Beau recalls his power and grimaces, his own fatigue making his magic less useful for her treatment.
Maybe we should tell her? Give it to her if only for granting us a reprieve and more time to rest and recover should it not work out.
“Well, don’t keep it all to yourself.” Marian rests her hands on her hips, making me bristle and move my focus from Beau. “You two are the only ones I am allowed to see anymore, so you might as well treat me as part of the conversation you appear to be silently having.”
I hold her fiery gaze, taking in her unkempt waves and red cheeks from the recurrent fever we can’t keep away for too long. It’s ruined her natural sun-kissed glow and leaves a hole in my chest. The longer I stare, the more I fear I’m losing precious time with her.
I want to tell her. Weshouldtell her.
“Well?” Marian starts again, and I shrug.
“Beau—” I glance at him, waiting for him to take the lead. But he doesn’t, and his hesitation leaves me scrambling to fill the void. “We were considering letting you help us.”
His eyes widen, mouth parting.
Shit. Maybe he thinks we should wait.
Too late, Vi. Now you really need to tell her.
“Wait, really?” Marian perks up, her resentment and anger dissipating.
It worsens the guilt in my heart, and I fidget with my trousers. “Yes.”
Maybe she needs an escape. Maybe a little hope and a little lie might keep my sister around and not the soul-sucking illness. Who better to grant her a reprieve than Beau and me?
I square my shoulders, my mind made up. “After I shift back tomorrow morning, you could accompany us to give an animal beyond the castle the tonic we have finalized,” I explain, my heart clinging to the potential of bringing her joy back.
